Darragh O'Brien TD, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, has officially opened ESB Networks' Bracklone 110kV Substation in Co Laois.

The facility is the first to be energised under the utility's Price Review 6 (PR6) investment programme for 2026–2030 and is one of 30 planned 110kV substations.

PR6, the largest investment in Ireland's electricity network, will deliver more than 500 major capital projects to meet rising demand across housing, transport and industry while supporting the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system.

Located near Portarlington, the substation was commissioned after a three-year build. Providing almost three times the capacity of the infrastructure it replaces, it will benefit approximately 13,000 customers across Co Laois and the wider Midlands by enabling new connections and meeting growing demand from homes, farms and businesses.

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Speaking at the launch, Minister O'Brien TD said: "I am delighted to officially open Bracklone 110kV Substation, the first to be energised under PR6 and a significant addition to the electricity network in Co. Laois and the wider Midlands region. A modern and resilient electricity network is essential to delivering new housing, supporting local enterprise and ensuring Ireland remains an attractive place to invest and grow.

"This project is an important example of the €18.9 billion investment being made across the electricity network over the next 5 years to ensure the infrastructure is in place to meet growing demand for electricity, support regional development and strengthen Ireland's long-term energy security. This €18.9 billion is the largest investment in the electricity grid in Irish history which is essential to ensure that we can accommodate more renewable electricity generation on our grid, as we transition to an electrified and sustainable energy future."